East Stirling V Annan Athletic at Ochilview Park : Match Preview

21 December 2012 04:01

East Stirling will include their former midfielder Andy Stirling in their squad as a trialist for the second game running as they host managerless Annan.

However a move to sign defender Raymond Buchanan from Whitletts Juniors has stalled and he will not feature for a third time as a trialist.

Jordan Holt has made a dramatic recovery from an ankle injury he sustained in the warm-up before Wednesday night's game against Montrose and will play, however Nathan Shepherd, Rhys Devlin, Jamie Benton, Jamie Glasgow and Craig Donaldson all remain out with knocks.

Shire head coach John Coughlin said: "I am not sure what kind of reaction Harry's resigning will have. We have been inconsistent and they have been inconsistent so it could be a case of who turns up the most of the day."

Coach Euan Brysdon will take charge of Annan following manager Harry Cairney's unexpected resignation on Thursday night to spend more time with his family.

Cairney had added Hibernian midfielder Harry Monaghan to his squad on loan before departing but the Galabank men will travel to Ochilview without the injured pair of Graeme Bell and David Murray.

"At the moment I am exhausted and need to recharge my batteries," said Cairney. "Our recent run of five defeats has brought this to a head and I find myself worrying about football matters when I should be focussing on other areas of my life.

"Results usually change for the good when a manager departs and I am sure this will be the case at Annan."